Willard D. 'Bill' Leinon

IRONWOOD, Mich.- Willard D. “Bill” Leinon, 84, of Montreal, Wis., died unexpectedly Friday, May 29, 2015, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 4, 1931, in Montreal, son of the late Henry and Cecilia (Baron) Leinon, and attended grade school there. He then began a lifelong logging career with his father and brothers, Roland and Raymond, and spent 20 years with his son Richard at W & R Leinon Forest Products, retiring at the age of 72 in 2003.

Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hurley, Wis. He loved going to the casino, scratching off lottery tickets, and any activities involving his family. He was known as “Chief” for creating such a loving, close knit family, and was a physically strong and hard working man who always made sure his family never went without. A loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Bill will be dearly missed.

He was married to the former Joyce Johnson on Aug. 31, 1957, in Wakefield. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2014.

Surviving are six children, Rebecca (Peter) Ellos, Ironwood Township, Richard (Mary) Leinon, Gile, Wis., Brenda (Gary) Wesolowski and Roger Leinon (Jayne Huber-Vehrs), both of Montreal, Lisa (Todd) Williams, Hurley, and Ryan Leinon, Montreal; 12 grandchildren, Tara (Ryan) Anderson, Amy (Kevin) Lahti, Jessica (Jacob) Novascone, Kimberly Leinon (Brad Belmas), Jacob Leinon, Katlyn and Kassidi Wesolowski, Alyssa Leinon, Mindy and Bransen Williams, and Morgan and Paige Leinon; five great-grandchildren, Tia and Breleigh Lahti, Ty and Aubrie Anderson, and Kezia Novascone; a brother, Henry “Hienie”, sister, Marlene (Paul) Masuga, and sister-in-law, Norma Leinon, all of Hurley; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Michelle Holm, Gile.

Besides his parents and wife, Bill was predeceased by brothers, Marlon in infancy, Raymond, Roland and Clyde; and a sister, Betty Jane in infancy.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 4, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Hurley, with Pastor Don Nickolson officiating.

Committal and interment will be in the Hurley Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.